This year the Festival celebrates the world of Robert Schumann, juxtaposing the composer’s own compositions with chamber works by composers he idolized and championed. Schumann was a brilliant composer and an influential critic who wrote with passion and humor about the struggles and ecstasies of his contemporaries and musical precursors. By performing on period instruments with attention to historical practices, our musicians aspire to present Mozart’s Clarinet Quintet or Chopin’s Cello Sonata as Schumann might have heard these works during his lifetime.

Enjoy a picnic on the patio of the Hanna Boys Center before attending a concert, and stay for a complimentary glass of wine while mingling with the artists afterwards. Each reception will feature a different local winery pouring their finest for you to taste! We will also have special appearances by KDFC’s Rik Malone and Harvard musicologistKate van Orden.

Enjoy a picnic lunch from Girl and the Fig Restaurant while partaking in a discussion with bassoonist and Harvard Musicologist Kate van Orden.

Robert Schumann wrote passionately throughout his life: editorials, reviews, letters, and personal journals, including a “marriage journal” kept with Clara. This lunchtime conversation explores his favorite musicians, from his fictional friends in the Davidsbündler, sworn to combat philistinism, to Paganini, Chopin, and the up-and-coming Johannes Brahms, who ultimately threatened to steal Clara’s heart. Come discuss the musical genius at the center of this year’s festival with Kate van Orden and festival musicians.

Lunch tickets should be pre-purchased. Lecture-only tickets may be the only option at the door.